Medical Imaging
Ultrasound Exams
 Ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves to create images by detecting sound waves reflected from internal organs and structures. The reflected sound waves are sent to a computer for processing and image construction. Ultrasound does not use ionizing radiation (x-ray).
Ultrasound is painless and safe. It can be safely used to image and assess the growing fetus. Ultrasound has many other applications and is used to evaluate organs and structure such as: blood vessels, gallbladder, abdominal organs, testicles, and thyroid. It is also used to provide guidance of needle placement for biopsy, venous and arterial access. The most common procedures are described below.
Carotid Doppler | Venous Doppler
Abdominal Ultrasound | Pelvic Ultrasound
Transvaginal Ultrasound | Obstetrical Ultrasound
Why This Procedure is Done: This procedure uses directional high frequency sound waves to visualize the arteries in the neck and measure the speed and direction of blood flow through those blood vessels. It is a safe and painless procedure usually performed to determine areas of narrowing, reversed or turbulent flow.
Preparation: No preparation is needed for this test. Eat and drink as you normally would.
How the Procedure is Performed: Sound waves are sent into the body using a transducer, a hand-held device that sends and receives sound waves. A warm gel will be applied to your neck. With gentle pressure the Sonographer (person doing the exam) presses the transducer against the skin to obtain images. During the exam, you will be lying on your back. The Sonographer will make every effort to ensure your comfort throughout the exam.
How Long the Procedure Takes: Please allow approximately 60 minutes for your appointment.
Why This Procedure is Done: A Venous Doppler uses directional high frequency sound waves to see the larger veins in the leg and arm. It is a safe and painless procedure usually performed to evaluate blood clot or insufficient function of valves.
Preparation: No preparation is needed for this test. Eat and drink as you normally would.
How the Procedure is Performed: Sound waves are sent into the body using a transducer, a hand-held device that sends and receives sound waves. A warm gel will be applied to the area. With gentle pressure the Sonographer (person doing the exam) presses the transducer against the skin to obtain images. During the exam, you will be lying on your back. The Sonographer will make every effort to ensure your comfort throughout the exam.
How Long the Procedure Takes: Please allow approximately 30 minutes for your appointment.
Why This Procedure is Done: An Abdominal Ultrasound uses directional high frequency sound waves to see organs and vessels within the abdomen. Some of the organs seen are the liver, gallbladder, kidney, pancreas and aorta. It is a safe and painless procedure.
Preparation: You will be asked to fast 6-8 hours prior to the test.
How the Procedure is Performed: Sound waves are sent into the body using a transducer, a hand-held device that sends and receives sound waves. A warm gel will be applied to the area. With gentle pressure the Sonographer (person doing the exam) presses the transducer against the skin to obtain images. During the exam, you will be lying on your back. The Sonographer will make every effort to ensure your comfort throughout the exam.
How Long the Procedure Takes: Please allow approximately 30 minutes for your appointment.
Why This Procedure is Done: A Pelvic Ultrasound uses directional high frequency sound waves to see organs and vessels within the pelvic region. Organs seen are the uterus, ovaries and nearby structures. It is a safe and painless procedure frequently performed to assess pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding or questionable pelvic exam.
Preparation: No preparation is needed for this test. Eat and drink as you normally would. In certain cases, you will be asked to drink 32 ounces of liquid to fill your bladder.
How the Procedure is Performed: The procedure is performed by sending sound waves (scanning) through your abdomen (transabdominal) or by placing the transducer (the source of the sound waves) into the vagina (Transvaginal). Transvaginal is similar in discomfort to a pelvic exam. The Technologist will determine which technique will give the best images. Frequently, both methods are used.
Transabdominal: Sound waves are sent into the body using a transducer, a hand-held device that sends and receives sound waves. A warm gel will be applied to the area. With gentle pressure the Sonographer (person doing the exam) presses the transducer against the skin to obtain images. During the exam, you will be lying on your back. The Sonographer will make every effort to ensure your comfort throughout the exam.
Transvaginal: During the exam, your feet will be placed in stirrups, similar to having a pelvic exam. A covered probe (transducer) will be inserted into your vagina. The Sonographer will make every effort to ensure your comfort throughout the exam.
How Long the Procedure Takes: Please allow approximately 30 minutes for your appointment.
Why This Procedure is Done: This procedure is done to visualize the uterus, ovaries and nearby structures. It is a safe and painless procedure frequently performed to assess pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding or questionable pelvic exam.
Preparation: No preparation is needed for this exam. Eat and drink as you normally would. Prior to the exam you will be asked to empty your bladder.
How the Procedure is Performed: During the exam, your feet will be placed in stirrups, similar to having a pelvic exam. A covered probe (transducer) will be inserted into your vagina. The Sonographer (person doing the exam) will make every effort to ensure your comfort throughout the exam.
How Long the Procedure Takes: Please allow approximately 15-30 minutes for your appointment.
Why This Procedure is Done: Obstetrical (OB) Ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves to evaluate placental location and condition; and determine fetal age, size, growth and well being. It can be done either by scanning through your abdomen (transabdominal) or by placing the transducer into the vagina (transvaginal). Transvaginal is similar in discomfort to a pelvic exam. The Technologist will determine which technique will give the best images. Frequently, both methods are used.
Preparation: No preparation is needed for this test. Eat and drink as you normally would. In certain cases, you will be asked to drink 32 ounces of liquid to fill your bladder.
How the Procedure is Performed: The procedure is performed by sending high frequency sound waves (scanning) through your abdomen (transabdominal) or by placing the transducer (the source of the sound waves) into the vagina (Transvaginal). Transvaginal is similar in discomfort to a pelvic exam. The Technologist will determine which technique will give the best images. Frequently, both methods are used.
Transabdominal: High frequency sound waves are sent into the body using a transducer, a hand-held device that sends and receives sound waves. A warm gel will be applied to your lower abdomen. With gentle pressure the Sonographer (person doing the exam) presses the transducer against the skin to obtain images. During the exam, you will be lying on your back. The Sonographer will make every effort to ensure your comfort throughout the exam.
Transvaginal: During the exam, your feet will be placed in stirrups, similar to having a pelvic exam. A covered probe (transducer) will be inserted into your vagina. The Sonographer will make every effort to ensure your comfort throughout the exam.
How Long the Procedure Takes: Please allow approximately 30-60 minutes for your appointment.
3/2/2007
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